Walter J. Spurbeck, Jr., age 75, of Newell, Iowa died on Monday, February 26, 2007 at Loring Hospital in Sac City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, with Pastor Tom Hinshaw officiating.  Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery. The Fratzke and Jensen Funeral Home of Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be one hour prior to service time on Saturday at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.

Walter John Spurbeck, Jr. was born on December 17, 1931 in Denver, Iowa to Walter John and Helen (Pothast) Spurbeck.  He received his education from Waverly High School.  Following graduation, Walter furthered his education at Wartburg and Cedar Falls State Teachers College.

On December 14, 1952, Walter was united in marriage to Vivian Ione Chapman.  This union was blessed with three children: Deborah, David and Ellen.

Walter taught school for many years, in the field of Social Studies, History and Physical Education.  He served as Athletic Director and assistant principal at Newell Community School, retiring in 1994.  He was named to the IHSAA Hall of Fame as an Athletic Director in 1995.

For his entire life, Walter was an avid sports fan.  He especially enjoyed watching and cheering on the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs.  During his free time in the summers, Walter painted houses, worked for DeKalb and refinished antique furniture as a hobby.  Walter also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Deborah Anderson of Sioux City, Iowa, David Spurbeck of Clearwater, Florida and Ellen (Roger) Hohensee of Pocahontas, Iowa;  six grandchildren: Chad (Michelle) Wilson, Cody Wilson and Angela, Brad Wilson, Joshua (Heather) Hohensee, Brian (Sarah) Hohensee and Alyse (Charles) Anliker; sixteen great grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Charles Spurbeck, Susan (Mike) Theiler, Marvin Scurlock and A.C. Scurlock; and many other relatives and friends.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vivian; one brother Herschel; and one sister Maurine.